Our Supply chain

As a company, we strive to conduct our business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. However, the social and environmental impacts of sourcing materials, such as the gold and leather used in the production of our watches, are often beyond our direct control. We therefore help and encourage suppliers to act responsibly and comply with our Environmental and Supplier Codes of Conduct. These guidelines focus on our suppliers and environmental management needs and apply to all of our business relationships. The relationship between the company and its business associates – suppliers, subcontractors and strategic partners – is based on fair, honest and mutually beneficial trade practices, which ultimately help to ensure high-quality products and services.

PRECIOUS MATERIALS

Production of all the precious materials used by IWC Schaffhausen must comply with local regulations. Additionally, we apply best-practice standards to ensure that our purchase and use of precious materials are as sustainable as possible.

IWC Schaffhausen is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) underscoring our commitment to the responsible sourcing of precious metals and stones. The RJC is an international non-profit organization that brings together members of the global watch and jewellery industry. Accredited RJC members commit both to establishing strict guidelines for ethical, social and environmental practices in their value chains and to guaranteeing the protection of human rights. The main purpose of RJC certification is to ensure that companies do not procure or make use of conflict resources (diamonds, gold and other precious metals).

IWC requires suppliers to provide assurances that they comply with human rights and labour laws, and are environmentally sound. We continue to work closely with suppliers and refiners to make every possible improvement to the supply chain.

LEATHER

IWC Schaffhausen uses only leathers that fully comply with local regulatory requirements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). IWC Schaffhausen uses no skins sourced from wild, living, endangered species. CITES is an international agreement to protect endangered and wild animal and plant species. National authorities, including customs and excise services, are responsible for its effective implementation.

IWC requires its suppliers to provide assurance that they obtain their leather from responsible and verified sources which do not convert sensitive ecosystems into grazing land or into agricultural land for food production.

CODES OF CONDUCT

IWC Schaffhausen integrates environmental and social responsibility into its business activities and requires all suppliers to sign the Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC). This is the guideline for all of our business relationships.